Henderson eyeing England recall

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has stated that he is happy to represent England under-21’s, and is using the opportunity as a springboard for potential inclusion in the senior squad.

The Anfield man was not included in Stuart Pearce’s contingent to face Netherlands on Wednesday night, and instead will captain the age-grade outfit against Belgium.

Despite criticism over his impact on Merseyside since a big-money summer move, Henderson is keeping focussed on the task at hand.

“I don’t really worry what other people think, they’re entitled to their opinion. I’m focused on what I want to achieve,” he told The Telegraph.

“I want to get back in the senior squad as soon as I can, but for now I make sure I play well for the under-21s and for Liverpool every week.

“Of course there’s a lot of room for improvement, but I am working on it every day in training and I am focused on what I need to do. I know what I need to do and I am going to do ­everything I can to get where I want to be.

“I don’t think [a senior call-up] was on my mind. I knew we had an important game on Wednesday with the under-21s and I was focused on that.

“Obviously everyone wants to play in the senior team, but this is a big game for the 21s, I’m captain and I’m looking forward to it,” he concluded.